The Northwest Cooperative Development Center fosters community economic development primarily through the cooperative business model. NWCDC concentrates on four key areas: general business development, housing cooperatives, cooperative financing, and cooperative education. We also provide services for start-up cooperatives regardless of the economic sector. General development focuses on home care agencies, converting existing businesses into worker or community-owned enterprises, conversion of mobile home parks into resident-owned communities and technical assistance for developing limited equity multi-family housing. Financial services provide micro-loans for cooperatives and connect people with cooperative-friendly lenders. Education programs include one-to-one presentations on the co-op model, a 10-week boot camp academy, and partnerships with higher education institutions. While NWCDC primarily works in the cooperative sector, there are reasons that people may choose to opt for a limited liability company or a not-for-profit model. As long as these businesses commit to the co-op principles, especially democratic governance, we can assist within our mission.